Whew! What a weekend!

Saturday I attended the planning meeting for the Relay for Life. Always an adventure! I think we have things figured out (at least for now). We seem to change our minds an awful lot and I'm guessing it will change between now and July 31. So far our team has raised over $1,400 for the American Cancer Society and we're still not done! More cookie sales at the Farmer's Market and Cindy is going to have a Pampered Chef fundraiser party and then we'll sell stuff the night of the Relay! I'm guessing we will make well over $1,500 when all is said and done!!

After the Relay meeting, it was off to my cousin's house to celebrate the graduation of her son, Ryan, from High School. HUGE party - got to see lots of my cousins and my beloved Aunt and Uncle. Good food too - smoked, pulled pork on buns! YUMMO! I ate too much and didn't leave room for cake (which is OK because last time I ate cake, I had the dumps - which are no fun!).

Later Saturday night I watched a Netflix movie that I've had for awhile - "Ghost Town". It was pretty cute. Not fabulous, but OK.

Today I went out with Trish and Grace for some retail therapy at Avenue (and we both found stuff at great prices). Then we went for a walk at the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis. I just wish my knee would cooperate more on those walks - I had to stop about 1/2 way across the bridge while they went the whole length. Some day!!

Now it's back to work tomorrow. But we've been allowed to dress casual last week and this coming week, so it makes it seem not as horrible there. Plus, with the holiday coming up we get to have Friday off. I love a short week! The following week I have Friday off, too. Yeah!

They go in 3's

Such a sad week for having lost the famous people. It started with Ed McMahon and then Farrah Fawcet and now Michael Jackson. The saddest one to me was Farrah. I watched her special recently about her battle with anal cancer. It was so sad, I cried through most of it. She put up a very valiant and dignified fight. Such a beautiful person. So sad.

It just reminds us that life really is just too short. It doesn't matter who you are, how famous you are or how much money you have. Your days are numbered and there is nothing you can do to change that. The only thing we can do is LIVE each day and remember what a blessing each day is to us. And..let the ones you love know that you love them. And forgive the ones that need forgiving. Holding a grudge does nothing to improve the quality of your life.

I went to the water aerobics class tonight and found out that the usual instructor has moved on to a new job out of state. There was a "substitute" instructor. She was OK, but it was different. I still enjoyed it though. We also had "FFF" (Fast Fun & Friendly) day at work so I got to play bocce ball outside for 30 minutes. That was fun, too, and some exercise.

Saturday is a planning meeting for our Relay For Life and then going to a graduation party for my cousin's son. Sunday is a free day with no plans! Yeah!

I hope you all know that if you are reading this you are special to me and I love you. Enjoy your weekend!

Chunkle Uck Days?

Ah the good old summertime! I wish I were a kid again, except when it's supposed to be hot and muggy like today and your parents used to MAKE you play outside all day..and we had no air conditioning to cool off with. I remember sitting in front of the box fan and talking into it because it made your voice sound so funny. Do you remember that? Why not give it a try again for old time sake!? As kids we used to make those silly hand fans (where you fold the paper into pleats back and forth). We used those to cool us down at night and would eventually fall asleep with it in our hand or on our face. Oh how we suffered. You kids today have no idea!!! :o)

So now summer for me means taking every-other-Monday off. Initially I started this to allow me to have time with my nieces and nephew as they had "Uncle Chuck" day on Mondays. My brother Chuck usually had Monday's off and would plan some special activities with the kids. I thought this sounded fun and wanted to horn in on the action. As fate would have it, I've only been able to a couple times. In fact, one time I had 2 of the kids all to myself and it became Chaunty Eryl Day (oh..by the way, the mixed up naming convention came when someone accidentally messed it up -- and I guess it stuck). But today I am off and I don't think I'll be meeting up with the kids. I am not even sure they are doing anything. I talked to Marissa yesterday and she is taking a driver's ed class today (gulp...she's 15!) and I'm assuming Andy is working (uh...he's 17 now). So what is an old Aunty to do?

I am going to check to see if there is a water class at LA today, maybe (I say maybe because it's going to be so beastly hot) I will work out there. Otherwise I have this Simonson's gift card that I've had for some time that might get used today?! I always feel like a loser when I go there though (like I've been there so many times -- just once). All the women are of the "upper crust" and here I am.....just me. They aren't very welcoming. But we'll see. I have to use it some day.

Or maybe I'll go see the movie "Up!". I've been wanting to see that and today might be the day. Nice and cool inside, maybe some popcorn (don't tell my doctor) and less crowded perhaps? I do have to be home by 5:00 for a follow-up call from my insurance company (as a pre-requisite for my surgery I had to agree to these for one year). After the call I am going to see my dear, sweet friend Nona and we'll have dinner together.

All in all, any day off from work is a good day! I am going to enjoy it!!! Hope you enjoy your day, too!!

I think I fixed the comments..

Go ahead and try now. I updated my settings and I think ANYONE should be able to post a comment now. So give it a try kids!!

What were you doing 6 months ago today?

I was in the recovery room after my surgery that morning! Yep, it's been 6 months. It's been a big rollercoaster ride of emotions and physical changes, but I wouldn't take it back for anything! I am down 144 pounds, several clothing sizes, off of 5 different medications that I had been taking on a daily basis and I can move around much easier now! It's amazing to me. And I want to say "Thank you" to all of you who have encouraged me and helped me along the way! But I'm not done yet! I still would like to lose an additional 50 pounds, so you still have to deal with me!!

Looking forward to all kinds of new adventures. Walking at the Relay For Life on July 31, Sister's Weekend in October, flying to Seattle on October 14 and actually being able to walk around the city with my daughter and her friends. And hopefully not needing a seat-belt extender on the plane. Little things mean a lot!!

Have a great weekend everyone. AND, I am going to try to work on getting the comments thing fixed so others can use it besides Rick and Chelsea!! :o)

Doctor, Doctor..gimme the news!!

Had my 6 month post-op check up today. Dr. Leslie (not my surgeon, but I will most likely never see my surgeon again) was very pleased with my progress. I'm officially down 144 pounds, have lost 58% of my "extra" body weight and my BMI dropped almost 30 points. That last one is scary, when you consider that a BMI of 30 is considered "overweight". Yes, folks, I was considered "Super Morbidly Obese" when I started this. And that is SCARY! He told me that at this point my weight loss will slow, and I have to expand my variety of foods, but keep trying to "chew" my protein (instead of relying on liquid protein/protein powder drinks). This keeps your pouch (aka tummy) full longer and wards off the evil hunger pangs. I also have to beef up my exercise, which should be easy to do considering I really HAVE no exercise right now. I am going to the water aerobics class again tonight, so there ya go.

I also found my original picture that they had taken of me in the surgeon's office that first visit. Oh boy! We must really never look at our true reflections, or we would NEVER let ourselves get to that point! I mean, really folks - I have lost enough weight to represent a fairly average size person...and I still have some to go. In that original picture (which I probably WON'T be sharing here -- not because I don't want you to see, but because I don't know how to scan it and get it here) I look like I'm hiding a small piano under my shirt. Even my ankles are fat. Yikes!

I am so glad I did this. It is not the easiest thing in the world, but it sure has been beneficial for me. I feel great. I look forward to doing things again. I can't wait to get on the plane and fly to Seattle in October (well...could do without the plane thing, but looking forward to seeing my baby girl in Seattle). It really is a whole new world!

P.S. Apparently both Chelsea and Rick are uber intelligent people who have mastered the art of leaving a message!! :o)

Another New Week

Is it just me, or do the weekends seem to just fly by!?

Friday night after I picked up my new glasses (see photo attached), I went to Grace's dance recital - didn't get home until somewhere around 10:45! I was beat! Had to get up early Saturday morning to go volunteer at the Family Fun Fest. It was a nice day, but I was inside (which would have been great had it been raining or really hot). Met a lot of people.

Sunday I went back to LA Fitness and tried the bikes. They have this one type of bike that you are almost standing up while you (try) to pedal. I gave up. Went to the regular, old lady sitting down in a comfy seat type bike. I tried to go 20 minutes, but my left knee said, "I don't think so!" and so I only did about 15 minutes. Then went down to the weights area and did some flabby upper arm exercises. I'm just not sure I'm doing this right..and I was talked out of meeting with a personal trainer because they try to talk you into signing up for expensive one-0n-one training. I will muttle through. I plan to go back tomorrow night for the water aerobics class.

Tomorrow AM I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon. It's my 'official' 6-month check-up, although the real surgiversary is June 19. Close enough. I am hoping I can stop taking one med that I am on to prevent gallstones. Since surgery, I am off ALL my diabetic meds (2 forms of insulin and 2 oral meds). I also stopped taking one pill I was taking 2x day for my arthritis pain. I could probably still use that, but figure I should get off all that I can! I am still taking 3 meds for high blood pressure and one for cholesterol...so maybe some day I can reduce or eliminate those as well.

SO there you go - an update from me! I know some of you are still having difficulties posting messages. I can't figure it out - but my brother Rick has been able to do it, so the rest of you should be able to as well. I do know you DO NOT have to leave a URL when you put in a name. So keep trying. We'll figure this out!!

I did it!

I finally went to the gym to "work out". It actually started on Wednesday night when I ventured out for a walk around the neighborhood. I put on my new shoes, grabbed my IPod and went for a walk. About 3/4 of the way around, my knees rebelled! But I knew I had to get myself home and so I just "did it". Last night I attended the water aerobics class at LA Fitness. My friend and co-worker Diana told me she would be there..but she lied!! So there I was in my swimsuit out in public with a bunch of strangers!! SCARY! But I met the instructor, Lisa and another participant, Kate, and they were both very nice and helpful. The class is about 45-50 minutes long and while it really doesn't hurt too much under water - I'm feeling it today! I will go back. It wasn't so bad and I did survive!

I'm leaving work early to go pick up my new eye glasses. I hate wearing eye glasses, but the old eyes are just not what they used to be! I have to wear cheaters with my contacts and that is getting tiring! So hoping that these look OK on me and that I can wear them more frequently than the contacts.

Tonight I am going to my niece Grace's dance recital. It's going to be a l-0-n-g night. I'm already tired and won't get a nap in before they come to pick me up! But it will be fun to see her perform. Tomorrow I am volunteering at the KTIS Joyful Noise Family Fun Day (at the Blaine Sports Center), so I'll be doing that from 8:00-2:30. I can go back later to hear the concerts if I want to. I guess it will depend on how worn out I am!! Sunday is my 'free' day. I won't be doing much of anything I think!! Hmmm...maybe I should go to the gym again?!

Have a wonderful weekend all you readers of my blog!!

Rainy Days and Mondays...

Well, the song says they (Rainy days & Mondays) "always get me down"...but not this time! We needed the rain and had it pretty much all weekend. Today I am on a 'vacation' day from work and it's overcast and cool (about 50), but not really raining. I don't have any real plans, just going to maybe finally possibly go to the gym and then do some shopping and go through the balance of my garage sale clothes that didn't sell and figure out what I want to do with them. I also have a hair & wax appointment this afternoon. A girls gotta maintain!

Had a pretty good weekend. Saturday I went to a very cold and soggy picnic with my IABW group. It was so cold you could see your breath. I had a hot dog and a few other tidbits and stayed for only about 1.5 hours and went home. Sunday morning I woke up at the crack of dawn to be at the American Lung Cancer walk by 7:00 AM -- the walk didn't start until 9:00, but for some unknown reason they wanted the "water crew" there by 7:00 AM. I once again froze my butt off for about 3 hours to hand walkers some water (which most didn't need/want due to the chilly weather). But it was fun. Came home, took a nap and then watched "The Illusionist" - which was sitting on my entertainment center for about 2 months! It was pretty good, give it a try if you can.

The picture I am going to try to post here is of me at that cold, cold picnic! I thought it turned out OK (for someone who hates having her picture taken). It's me and another IABW member. I can't remember her name now - Angie I think? You can also see the cute little flower pin that Chelsea made for me on the middle of my shirt. It's cute..I get lots of compliments when I wear it (thanks, Chels!).

OK, so I'm off now for my adventure of a day! Wish me luck!

Rain, rain..come again!!

Well I have almost survived my 5 days in a row of working. Just have to get through this afternoon and then I'm good! We are supposed to get rain on Saturday and Sunday. This is good because we need it very badly..but I am supposed to volunteer at the American Lung Association walk on Sunday morning (7:00 AM I might add!). I don't mind it a little chilly, but can we please hold off on the real rain until it's done? Thanks!

I had a busy week. Had my eyes examined on Monday. Tuesday night was dinner with my friends Nona, Carlene and Sandy and then I stopped by for a visit with my sister Sandy. Wednesday I had a pedicure and fill (oh so nice) and then went to JC Penney to look at the eyeglasses they had on sale. Sad. Last night I went to Target and ordered new glasses ($270) and then had a training session for my next volunteer event (KTIS Joyful Noise Family Fun Day on June 13). All that AND working. How do I do it? You'll note that there was, once again, no time for the gym. I have to get over there. Maybe tomorrow!?

Oh and I booked my airfare for the trip to Seattle this Fall! I am going October 14 (right after Sister's Weekend) and will return on October 18. Looking forward to seeing where my baby girl has been living, meeting her friends and seeing all the sites! It seems far off, but it's only about 4 months away! YIKES! I have to practice my walking!

And so there you go. Now you are all caught up with me and my exciting life! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend - rain or shine! Did I mention I have MONDAY off next week!? YIPPEE!

Another New Week

I have to work all 5 days this week. No time off. I have gotten used to having at least 1/2 day off as in the past 4-5 weeks that has been the "norm", but not this week. Ugh!

I had a great weekend filled with family. My nephew and his 'crew' are in town from Ohio and so we had a large family gathering at my sister Sandy's house. It was great. Of course I ate too much "junk" food and when the real GOOD food (bbq burgers) arrived, I was too full to eat it. Stupid! Since surgery, my head still thinks I can eat unlimited amounts of food...but my thumb-sized stomach says otherwise. So I didn't get the good calories in because I filled up on pretzels and "the dip". Live and learn.

I just made an eye appointment for Wednesday evening. The cheaters are getting to me. I can't read anything without using them and even use them when typing (like now). I'm sure I need a new prescription and my current eyeglasses are really way off. I am hoping I can find an attractive pair of glasses and ditch the contacts. We'll see.

Another week and I haven't stepped foot in the LA Fitness facility. My excuse is that there is something going on ALL the time! Maybe I'll try tonight? But they said I have to meet with a trainer first...so that probably won't work. The aqua aerobic classes are Tue/Thur, but I can't go tomorrow (dinner with friends) so maybe Thursday!? I know I need to go, and I know I'll feel good once I do go...it's just getting there that's the problem. Oops..wait, can't go Thursday, I have a training session for my volunteer event on the 14th.

Oh well. I've rambled on enough. Wishing you all a good, quick passing week.